Carlito's Way 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Carlito's Way" boasts an impressive HVEC / H. 265 encoded 2160p transfer in a slightly adjusted 2.39:1 aspect ratio, compared to the original 2.35:1. Sourced from a 2021 4K Digital Intermediate provided by NBC Universal, the film is graded in HDR10, enhancing the visual detail particularly during brighter scenes like the courtroom sequence. This new encode tightens up the somewhat splotchy detail of the prior release, rendering a crisp and film-like grain structure. Colors maintain their integrity, appearing natural and unsaturated, although with a slightly warmer tone in parts.

Detail levels are significantly improved, offering brilliant clarity in facial features, costumes, and set designs. The film's rich palette benefits enormously from the HDR grade, especially in high-contrast settings like the nightclub scenes. Despite moments of passing softness and some dark scenes that don't reveal much additional information with HDR, the transfer provides a substantial upgrade over previous editions. Deep blacks and strong contrast add to the visual appeal, though some of the darkest scenes could have benefitted from a Dolby Vision pass. On the whole, this is a thoroughly satisfying upgrade that should meet the expectations of most viewers.

The upscale from the previous VC-1 encoded Blu-ray is notable, with this new transfer delivering sharp, crisp visuals throughout. Backed by BD-100 discs with exceptionally high bitrates, there is plenty of room for the presentation to breathe. Although some differences might only be noticeable under close scrutiny, the overall increase in visual fidelity is clear. Colors are bright and vibrant without oversaturation. The lack of HDR10+ might be a minor downside depending on setup, but the standard HDR10 grade ensures a consistently excellent display with accurate hues, robust skin tones, and deep black levels.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "Carlito's Way" delivers a superb audio presentation, featuring a well-crafted DTS:X track that enhances the film’s immersive quality. This upgrade from the Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track provides a superior soundstage, with ambient environmental effects and Patrick Doyle's evocative score admirably rendered. Doyle's music, with its elegiac string writing reminiscent of Barber's Adagio for Strings and Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, benefits markedly from the DTS:X’s spatial capabilities, offering a gorgeously spacious auditory experience.

In addition to the DTS:X track, the package includes English 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio options, catering to different setup preferences. The English 5.1 track retains notable similarities to the DTS:X in terms of staging but falls slightly behind in spatial breadth. Nevertheless, both tracks ensure dialogues are assertively clear and intelligible. The DTS:X track particularly shines in dialogue clarity amidst action-heavy scenes, such as those in the club and the final act, ensuring that no spoken word is lost. The inclusion of a two-channel fold-down offers a practical option for those without surround sound systems, maintaining fidelity to the film’s original theatrical audio experiences.

Some may lament the absence of a Dolby Atmos option; however, the meticulously rendered DTS:X track more than compensates for this. It proves effective even during quieter moments, providing immersive imaging that actively engages surround channels. While the legacy audio options are commendable in their own right, the DTS:X track distinctly stands out, followed closely by the robust performance of the 5.1 track. For those equipped with the necessary audio systems, the DTS:X track offers an unparalleled auditory experience true to "Carlito's Way."

The extras included in the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Carlito's Way" provide a comprehensive examination of the film through a series of insightful commentaries, interviews, and featurettes. Matt Zoller Seitz's audio commentary offers in-depth contextual analysis, while Dr. Douglas Keesey's selective scene commentary brings focused, academic insight. The interviews with key figures like Judge Edwin Torres, Bill Pankow, and Kristina Boden offer behind-the-scenes looks at the filmmaking process. Additionally, David Edelstein's appreciation and the location tour give further depth to understanding the film’s impact and background. Legacy extras such as deleted scenes, archival featurettes, and trailers round out a robust package that enhances appreciation of this classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Matt Zoller Seitz: In-depth contextual analysis.
• Select Scene Commentary with Dr. Douglas Keesey: Focused academic insight.
• Carlito & The Judge: Interview with Judge Edwin Torres.
• Cutting Carlito's Way: Interviews with editors Bill Pankow and Kristina Boden.
• De Palma on Carlito's Way: Archival interview with director.
• De Palma's Way: Appreciation by critic David Edelstein.
• All the Stitches in the World: Tour of filming locations.
• The Making of Carlito's Way: Archival featurette.
• Deleted Scenes: Compilation of cut content.
• Original Promotional Featurette: Vintage promotion material.
• Teaser Trailer
• Theatrical Trailer
• Image Gallery

Brian De Palma’s 1993 film “Carlito's Way” serves as a significant comeback for the director after a series of critical and commercial misfires. Based on Judge Edwin Torres's novels Carlito’s Way and After Hours, the film distinguishes itself from De Palma’s earlier works by diving into the psychological intricacies of a gangster trying to escape his criminal past. The narrative, crafted by David Koepp, is a thoughtful exploration of attempted redemption, driven by the character of Carlito Brigante, played by Al Pacino, and underscored by Patrick Doyle's engaging score.

Pacino, fresh off his Oscar win for Scent of a Woman, brings emotional depth and complexity to Carlito, distinguishing him from the more ruthless Tony Montana of Scarface. Pacino’s performance captures a deeply human struggle between dreams of a peaceful life and the relentless pull of his former gangster lifestyle. Sean Penn’s almost unrecognizable portrayal of Carlito’s deceitful lawyer, David Kleinfeld, is an acting tour-de-force that elevates the film. Supporting performances from Penelope Ann Miller, John Leguizamo, and Viggo Mortensen add layers of authenticity and intensity.

Carlito’s Way is visually compelling, featuring De Palma’s signature long takes and complex tracking shots. Unlike his prior homages to Hitchcock and other great directors, De Palma’s work here feels uniquely his own, seamlessly integrating style and substance. Although it wasn't initially celebrated at its release, Carlito’s Way has since gained critical recognition as one of De Palma’s most engaging character studies. The film’s craftsmanship, strong performances, and intricate narrative make it a standout piece in De Palma’s oeuvre and a compelling watch for cinema enthusiasts.

Carlito's Way, directed by Brian De Palma, stands as an intriguing and engrossing cinematic experience, deftly combining a compelling narrative with uniformly stellar performances, particularly from Al Pacino and Sean Penn. Despite its somewhat somber tone, the film captivates viewers from start to finish. Often overshadowed by De Palma's more popular works like "Scarface" or "Carrie," Carlito’s Way warrants a well-deserved re-evaluation, thanks to Arrow Video's definitive 4K UHD Blu Ray release. This edition not only presents the film with impeccable visual and audio fidelity but also comes laden with a wealth of bonus features that enhance the viewing experience.

While some may argue that Carlito's Way marks the last truly great project in De Palma's storied career, it's undeniable that this film encapsulates his directorial prowess at its peak. Al Pacino’s performance, though occasionally wavering in its accent, is a tour de force that brings depth and intensity to Judge Edwin Torres' literary character. The movie receives a commendable 4K upgrade from Universal, but the Arrow Limited Edition goes a step further, offering almost identical A/V quality while supplementing it with extensive additional content. For those who appreciate extensive behind-the-scenes insights and supplementary materials, the Arrow edition proves to be an unmissable option.

Brian De Palma manages to helm a film that delivers a lot of cinematic sweep while also offering uniformly excellent performances by Pacino, Miller, a great supporting cast, and most especially Penn in one of his most unusual interpretations. It's dour and unrelenting, but Carlito's Way is never less than fully involving. This Arrow release does the film proud both in terms of providing solid technical merits, while offering a glut of both on-disc and extracurricular supplements. Highly recommended.